Houston area schools close for next week due to Tropical Storm

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HOUSTON, Aug, 27 (Xinhua) -- As Tropical Storm Harvey continues unleashing its devastating rains on Houston Texas in the United States, many Houston area school districts on Sunday announced the cancelation of classes for all next week.

Monday was supposed to be the first day of classes for many schools in Houston area.

Most universities and colleges are among the schools that will be closed next week.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced he will come to Texas on Tuesday, the White House said Sunday as the state reeled from Harvey's damage and flooding.

"We are coordinating logistics with state and local officials, and once details are finalized, we will let you know," Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said to reporters. "We continue to keep all of those affected in our thoughts and prayers."

Forecasters say as the tropical storm moving slowly towards east, heavy rainfall is expected in Houston and eastern areas of Texas as well as the neighboring state Louisiana. 40 to 50 cm of rain is expected in such areas until Friday.

The National Weather Service Houston says Sunday afternoon that the city has experienced the wettest month on record. The total rain has reached 65 cm in August.

Reports of evacuations, trapped homeowners and historic flooding conditions continue to come in from across the Houston area, with more and more emergency shelters opening up.

Houston's two major airports remain closed Sunday to commercial flights. But they will shuttle first responders to help recovery efforts in Houston and southeast Texas.

Earlier, a body was found not far from the coastal area in South East Texas on Sunday. This is the sixth death reported after Hurricane Harvey made a landfall Friday evening.

Local police said they are not sure if the death is directed related to Harvey. "At this time it is unknown if the subject passed away from health conditions or due to drowning," police said in a statement, noting water in the area was high overnight.